2-Year-Old Finds Loaded Gun And Pulls Trigger, Killing Georgia Man

A 2-year-old found a loaded firearm and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing an adult in Georgia, police said.

Police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of E. 64th Street, Savannah, at 5.30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and found Dustin Walters, 25, with a gunshot wound at the scene. Walters was immediately rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said, according to WTGS.

Details of the incident were not released until Dec. 14, when police revealed their investigation was centered around a toddler, according to The Charlotte Observer.

After investigation, cops discovered the shot was fired by a toddler who found a loaded handgun and pulled the trigger. Investigators determined the incident was an "accident." It is unclear as to who owns the gun and the relationship between Walters and the child, the report said.

"We grieve along with the Walters family. As a parent, I cannot imagine what this family is going through or will continue to go through in the coming years. What we want to make sure now is that parents are aware that although rare, these incidents can happen with tragic results," Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter was quoted as saying by The Charlotte Observer.

"Please take this seriously and take the steps to ensure that you and your family members are safe," Minter added.

According to Walters' obituary, he is survived by his partner and their son. The family remembered him as an amazing father who loved spending time with his family and friends.

The Savannah Police Department has urged people to take a moment to think about the firearms in their homes and in any homes that their kids frequent. Police also asked parents to explain to children that they need to notify an adult if they find a gun.

"Make sure those firearms are secured and not accessible by children. If your children frequent a home where there are firearms, have a conversation with those people to make sure that firearms are secured and not accessible," the Savannah Police Department said, as per WTGS.

"If your child is old enough, have a conversation about the dangers of firearms and advise the child to never touch a firearm."

In Georgia, firearm owners are generally not required to lock their weapons. Safe storage can help prevent children from accessing a gun. However, Georgia does not have a law that requires a locking device to accompany the sale of a firearm.